View Album
Fri Dec 08 2023
The Stranger
Billy Joel
“Vienna” is fantastic. Everything else? Meh. I like a lot of the melodies and musical ideas, but Billy’s voice and personality just rub me the wrong way. “Just the Way You Are” is one of the most offensively cheesy songs I’ve ever heard.
2.5/5
2
View Album
Sat Dec 09 2023
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
Truly excellent in every way. Nothing to complain about from a songwriting, performance, or production level. It’s all very good and I like it a lot. I just don’t have much of an emotional reaction to it, which is why I can’t go all the way with my score.
4/5
4
View Album
Sat Dec 09 2023
The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
Damn, really cool stuff. This was a total blind spot and did not disappoint. What a wonderful, quirky surprise. I feel like this is everything people pretend Neutral Milk Hotel is.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun Dec 10 2023
Graceland
Paul Simon
I like it, but I feel like I’m supposed to like it more than I should. I’ll give it the extra half star bump here because there are multiple songs I really dig, though.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Mon Dec 11 2023
Surfer Rosa
Pixies
4
View Album
Tue Dec 12 2023
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
I’d be surprised if there is another hip-hop artist - singular or group - that I like more than Tribe. Best samples, best flow, best everything. Ultimately never going to be my favorite style of music, but I like the way they do it better than anyone.
4/5
4
View Album
Wed Dec 13 2023
Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Damn fucking good. They'll never be "my" hard rock band, but I think I'll continue to like them more and more.
4/5
4
View Album
Thu Dec 14 2023
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Although I don’t love every song, I just love *them* so much. Beautiful voices, beautiful songs, beautiful music.
4/5
4
View Album
Fri Dec 15 2023
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
It’s all good and interesting to varying degrees, just not something I’m going to return to a whole lot.
3.5/5
3
View Album
Sat Dec 16 2023
Bad
Michael Jackson
It’s very well made and I dig the title track, but it’s just not my thing.
2/5
2
View Album
Sun Dec 17 2023
Sea Change
Beck
Absolutely fucking gorgeous.
4.5/5
4
View Album
Mon Dec 18 2023
World Clique
Deee-Lite
It's not my thing, but there are elements I appreciate on it. I actually very much dig the opening track.
2/5
2
View Album
Tue Dec 19 2023
Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
To quote my friend Joe, “Good, but I don’t care.”
3.5/5
3
View Album
Wed Dec 20 2023
Better Living Through Chemistry
Fatboy Slim
There are elements of this music that I like, but every song on this record is just too long and too repetitive for my tastes.
2/5
2
View Album
Thu Dec 21 2023
For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
Some great music, but I don't love any of the individual songs and Ferry isn't making me swoon like he seems to do for so many others.
3/5
3
View Album
Fri Dec 22 2023
Electric Music For The Mind And Body
Country Joe & The Fish
Started off to be way better then - and not at all - what I was expecting. Eventually evened out and fell off a bit, but still pretty good.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Sat Dec 23 2023
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
One of their most cohesive records, and featuring some of their best songs.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun Dec 24 2023
La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
Pretty cool stuff. Not inherently enough of my thing to give it the extra half star bump here, but it's solid nonetheless.
3.5/5
3
View Album
Mon Dec 25 2023
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
Fuck yes.
4.5/5
4
View Album
Tue Dec 26 2023
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
It’s not “my” Christmas album, but a damn good one nonetheless.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Wed Dec 27 2023
Green
R.E.M.
Starts off as strong as any R.E.M. album. Tapers off a bit eventually, but still damn good.
4/5
4
View Album
Thu Dec 28 2023
Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
High 3.5. Starts off incredible. Tails a bit eventually; lyrics pretty consistently excellent, but not as much musical variety as I’d like and Franti isn’t *always* the most convincing. Still, he’s uniformly great, and this was an awesome listen.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Fri Dec 29 2023
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Am I likely to listen to the whole thing in one sitting? Not very often, that’s for sure. But I’ll be damned if I don’t love this music, and if I don’t appreciate it acting as quite an important historical document.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Sat Dec 30 2023
Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
I respect Prince, but ultimately don’t like a lot of his music. Some of my favorite tunes of his are on this one, however.
2.5/5
3
View Album
Sun Dec 31 2023
Ys
Joanna Newsom
Oh my god she never shuts up.
2/5
2
View Album
Mon Jan 01 2024
Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
Not all the way there with it, but could see it rising one day.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Tue Jan 02 2024
Disintegration
The Cure
Some great stuff. “Lullaby” is a nice surprise. This is just a style of music that does very little for me.
3.5/5
3
View Album
Wed Jan 03 2024
Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
It’s fine. Don’t ever need to hear it again.
3
View Album
Thu Jan 04 2024
The Real Thing
Faith No More
Not a fan of Patton, but some good musical ideas and performances.
2.5/5
2
View Album
Fri Jan 05 2024
The Blueprint
JAY Z
Not my favorite style of rap, but he’s probably the best/my favorite at it.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Sat Jan 06 2024
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Too long for me to go the full 4 for, but man, so much great stuff. “Gimme the Loot” is a revelation.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Sun Jan 07 2024
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
What a voice. First song is unbelievable. Love how this sounds. One of my favorite new discoveries, excited to go back to this.
4/5
4
View Album
Mon Jan 08 2024
Mask
Bauhaus
Some of my favorite songs I’ve heard from this style of music so far.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Tue Jan 09 2024
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
I will never return to this intentionally, but I’ll be damned if it’s not a solid listen and very well done.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Wed Jan 10 2024
Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
The guy is a fucking prick, but he makes great music.
4/5
4
View Album
Thu Jan 11 2024
The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
Pretty good stuff. Opening track my favorite.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Fri Jan 12 2024
Station To Station
David Bowie
The title track is a true masterpiece. Everything else is great, too.
4/5
4
View Album
Sat Jan 13 2024
Doolittle
Pixies
Accepting that Pixies are a songs/vibe band for me. I like them - hell, I *really* like them - but I don’t want to return to these albums that much.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Sun Jan 14 2024
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
Welp, it appears I’ve discovered yet another album that I’ve slept on for too long! Room to grow for this one.
4.5/5
4
View Album
Mon Jan 15 2024
White Light
Gene Clark
Very good, highly listenable. Unsure why it’s considered essential by these standards, and don’t see much of a reason to go back to it, but nothing wrong with it.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Tue Jan 16 2024
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
I love and respect Ella and Billie. But Sarah is *my* jazz vocalist. She is perfect and divine.
4.5/5
4
View Album
Wed Jan 17 2024
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
“It’s Tricky” is undeniable. Of this era and genre, this is the best. Is it my favorite? No. But I can dig it.
3.5/5
3
View Album
Thu Jan 18 2024
Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Another one I should like more than I do. Otis is awesome, but I don’t think many, if any, of these songs are the best versions of them. Definitely enough to give it the 4 star 1001 bump, but not enough to actually get me to 4.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Fri Jan 19 2024
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
I’m sure most people think Graceland is the high watermark of his solo career, but give me this one.
4/5
4
View Album
Sat Jan 20 2024
C'est Chic
CHIC
Nothing about this particularly appeals to me.
2/5
2
View Album
Sun Jan 21 2024
Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
Remarkably cool and a fantastic new discovery!
4/5
4
View Album
Mon Jan 22 2024
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Not *quite* perfect, but fucking amazing enough to get the half star bump here.
4.5/5
5
View Album
Tue Jan 23 2024
Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
About as high as one of my 3.5’s can be.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Wed Jan 24 2024
Truth And Soul
Fishbone
I consistently could not tell if I liked this or not. Seems like there was truly an equal amount of qualities that I did and didn’t like. So I’ll go right down the middle.
2.5/5
3
View Album
Thu Jan 25 2024
Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
Loud, weird, funny, and awesome. Great stuff.
4/5
4
View Album
Fri Jan 26 2024
Faust IV
Faust
Elements that I like keep popping through, but never consistently enough to constitute true enjoyment.
2/5
2
View Album
Sat Jan 27 2024
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Unbelievably fun and energetic. Knew I'd like it, didn't expect to like it as much as I do.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun Jan 28 2024
New Forms
Roni Size
This shit gives me anxiety.
1/5
1
View Album
Mon Jan 29 2024
Vespertine
Björk
I can tell I’m supposed to *love* this, I’m just not there yet. Still pretty damn good. I’ll come back to this.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Tue Jan 30 2024
Stardust
Willie Nelson
Good stuff. Easy to listen to. Won’t ever return to much.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Wed Jan 31 2024
John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
It’s very good, just not my preferred Traffic album.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Thu Feb 01 2024
Medúlla
Björk
Some cool stuff - her voice is amazing overall and I’ll definitely go back to “Who Is It” - but in general, I’m just not super into it. Very cool concept and arrangements, though.
2.5/5
2
View Album
Fri Feb 02 2024
Brothers
The Black Keys
Their last great album.
4/5
4
View Album
Sat Feb 03 2024
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Don’t love all of it and need to be in the mood for Liam sometimes, but goddamn, some of it is SO good.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun Feb 04 2024
Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
Another extremely consistent set of songs from Elvis.
4/5
4
View Album
Mon Feb 05 2024
Sulk
The Associates
I really don't understand what there is to like about this. This guy's voice is insufferable. The music sounds terrible. The only reason it's not a half star or zero stars is because it occasionally vaguely resembles music.
1/5
1
View Album
Tue Feb 06 2024
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Liked this a lot more than I thought I would. Nice pink energy. Never too over the top. Could see this rising to 3.5; using this review as a reminder for me to relisten.
3/5
3
View Album
Wed Feb 07 2024
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
Classic case of liking a lot of it, but only being able to get so high because of my feelings on the album experience with this genre.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Thu Feb 08 2024
Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
Maybe my 7th favorite Neil? And it’s still so goddamn good. God, this guy was the best. There will be other 4.5’s that get the 1001 bump up to 5; sticking with 4 for this one, but I still love it.
4.5/5
4
View Album
Fri Feb 09 2024
Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
I don’t love Albarn’s voice, but goddamn, I really like just about everything else. Really cool stuff. Excited to check out more.
4/5
4
View Album
Sat Feb 10 2024
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Beautiful.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun Feb 11 2024
Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
There’s some good stuff on here - the title track is a masterpiece - but overall, it’s too long and a bit one note.
3/5
3
View Album
Mon Feb 12 2024
Amnesiac
Radiohead
Definitely not as good as its predecessor, but still very good.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Tue Feb 13 2024
Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
Janis sounds amazing, and it’s a gigantic step up from the debut.
4/5
4
View Album
Wed Feb 14 2024
The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
Nice. Borders on too nice. But overall good playing and writing.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Thu Feb 15 2024
All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
Holy shit, what a discovery! Great production! Excellent samples, really cool energy. I didn’t know what to expect out of Latifah’s music, but this is one of my favorite surprises so far!
4/5
4
View Album
Fri Feb 16 2024
Gold
Ryan Adams
He's a great writer. And it all SOUNDS great. But even before I knew how much of a tool he was, there was always somewhat of a disconnect. He never resonated with me. I recognized the quality, but it didn't speak to me. It still doesn't.
I do my best to separate the art from the artist, but I can't pretend I'm not turned off by Ryan right now. And it definitely isn't helping me connect with this any more at the moment. A very generous...
3.5/5
3
View Album
Sat Feb 17 2024
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Honestly? Some stuff I really like. But a lot of other stuff that hasn’t aged so well.
3/5
3
View Album
Sun Feb 18 2024
Hot Shots II
The Beta Band
Cool stuff. Again, I question how essential this is, but cool stuff.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Mon Feb 19 2024
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
Liked this way more than I expected to. Was never a fan of theirs, did not like these singles when they came out, but damn, I’m happy I went back to it.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Tue Feb 20 2024
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Not my favorite Creedence, but still very good.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Wed Feb 21 2024
Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
There's some good stuff on here, but the humor doesn't translate well and it's a bit musically one-note.
3/5
3
View Album
Thu Feb 22 2024
Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
Incredible voice and some great songs. A bit by the numbers for me musically sometimes, but room to rise in my estimations.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Fri Feb 23 2024
Opus Dei
Laibach
Almost convinced me with the first song, but the more it continued, the more it wasn’t something I enjoyed at all.
1/5
1
View Album
Sat Feb 24 2024
Dummy
Portishead
A bit one-note, but still very cool.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Sun Feb 25 2024
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
Just not sure if I’m fully ready for this. Some great melodies in there.
3/5
3
View Album
Mon Feb 26 2024
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
Totally badass. PJ is the best.
4/5
4
View Album
Tue Feb 27 2024
The Wall
Pink Floyd
Always better than I remember it being.
5/5
5
View Album
Wed Feb 28 2024
Abbey Road
Beatles
My favorite album of all-time. Not a wasted second or note. The grin across my face when this popped up as my album of the day says it all. True perfection, one that will always inspire me and provide me endless happiness.
5+/5
5
View Album
Thu Feb 29 2024
Quiet Life
Japan
"Must hear before you die?" Why?? So I can know what the 362nd best album of 1979 sounds like? Stupid and erroneous. Excited to never listen to this again.
1.5/5
2
View Album
Fri Mar 01 2024
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
You know, there are certainly some good musical ideas. And it's not produced as annoyingly as a lot of their contemporaries. They're certainly a step up in that regard. But my God, does Axl fucking Rose ruin this album for me. What a horribly annoying vocalist and lyricist. Honestly, it's a miracle I'm grading this as "highly" as I am.
2.5/5
2
View Album
Sat Mar 02 2024
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
What a voice, what a band, what a performer.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun Mar 03 2024
Virgin Suicides
Air
It's all fine, but I never care to listen to it ever again.
3/5
3
View Album
Mon Mar 04 2024
Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
Really interesting, beautiful stuff. I need to be in the right mood for it, but when I am, it’s great.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Tue Mar 05 2024
Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
My least favorite Drake, but still very good.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Wed Mar 06 2024
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
I’m a sucker for these records. Some all-timers on this one.
4/5
4
View Album
Thu Mar 07 2024
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
Some great stuff. Again, my overall feelings on these hip-hop album experiences stop me from getting too high, but this is definitely my favorite style overall.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Fri Mar 08 2024
Savane
Ali Farka Touré
Great vibe and sound, but I just don’t think I’m a smart enough listener to be able to love something like this for a whole album.
3.5/5
3
View Album
Sat Mar 09 2024
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Very solid Willie record. Love the concept and layout.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun Mar 10 2024
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Rock and roll perfection.
5/5
5
View Album
Mon Mar 11 2024
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
The highs are so unbelievably high. And the craft is *ridiculous*. He’s so fucking talented. It’s just so long and inconsistent, featuring too many questionable tracks.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Tue Mar 12 2024
Urban Hymns
The Verve
I liked this album - it will get the 4 star bump given this site’s lack of half star ratings. I will return to it one day. That said, I think it’s more accurate to say that “Bitter Sweet Symphony” is one of the 1,001 Songs to Hear Before You Die, rather than this album being a necessity.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Wed Mar 13 2024
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
So damn cool. Great songs, great atmosphere. Dangerously close to the 5 star bump.
4.5/5
4
View Album
Thu Mar 14 2024
S&M
Metallica
I liked this more than I thought I would. Which is to say, still not *that* much, but I've gained a healthy bit of respect for this band.
2.5/5
3
View Album
Fri Mar 15 2024
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
I like it. Perhaps one day I’ll love it.
4/5
4
View Album
Sat Mar 16 2024
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Basically what I expect from them. Bon era still my favorite.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Sun Mar 17 2024
Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
The band is so loud, yet they make no real noise. The singer is doing so much, yet saying so little. There are so many notes, yet no actual melodies. So much effort for such little payoff. Complete anonymity. Example #36 of “why *must* I hear this before I die?”
2/5
2
View Album
Mon Mar 18 2024
Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
From their debut album, they’ve added both an additional member (Neil Young) and an additional star.
5/5
5
View Album
Tue Mar 19 2024
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Great songs, but it “stalls” because I think the versions that end up on Live Rust are even better.
4/5
4
View Album
Wed Mar 20 2024
Atomizer
Big Black
Got “better” as it went on. “Kerosene” the obvious highlight. Will never listen to this again. This rating is generous.
2/5
2
View Album
Thu Mar 21 2024
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Pretty dependable rock and roll. Rod’s songs definitely better than Ronnie’s. Not up to the level of the other greats from this time period, but still very good.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Fri Mar 22 2024
O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
I don’t hate or even dislike any of it, but I find it to be quite boring. His flow is fine, but his timbre is unspectacular. And it’s soooo long. I can’t imagine sitting through this whole thing again.
2.5/5
2
View Album
Sat Mar 23 2024
Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
This rules so completely. High 4 stars with room to grow.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun Mar 24 2024
Kenza
Khaled
Call me uncultured swine, but I really can’t get much into this at all.
1.5/5
1
View Album
Mon Mar 25 2024
Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
WHO THE HELL IS PICKING THESE ALBUMS?! WHO DECIDED I NEEDED TO HEAR THIS?!
1/5
1
View Album
Tue Mar 26 2024
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Dangerously close to 4.5 stars. Perhaps could get there one day. The length did wear on me a bit, but I liked everything and loved most everything. Very cool find.
4/5
4
View Album
Wed Mar 27 2024
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
I like it, I just can’t get all the way there with it.
3/5
3
View Album
Thu Mar 28 2024
Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
Frank’s not fully formed yet, but still awesome. Lots of good stuff here.
4/5
4
View Album
Fri Mar 29 2024
Fever Ray
Fever Ray
Not really my thing, but there are some interesting things happening here.
3/5
3
View Album
Sat Mar 30 2024
Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
A lot more here that I like than I’d initially anticipate. Multiple songs I should go back to.
3.5/5
3
View Album
Sun Mar 31 2024
I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
When I’m in the mood for this, it totally hits the spot.
4/5
4
View Album
Mon Apr 01 2024
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
I may be the only person on the planet who prefers S/T and Tusk, but my appreciation for and enjoyment of this album has grown slightly. I don’t think it will ever be an all-time favorite, but I like it more now than I ever have.
4/5
4
View Album
Tue Apr 02 2024
Tapestry
Carole King
Tough to argue with. It only means so much to me, but it’s excellent.
4/5
4
View Album
Wed Apr 03 2024
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Starts off hot and cools a bit in the middle. None of it is bad, though, and the best stuff is awesome.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Thu Apr 04 2024
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
What’s not to like here? This is just about everything I could want out of this genre in this decade.
4/5
4
View Album
Fri Apr 05 2024
Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
When he sang "You are unbearable" on the first song, I felt that.
1/5
1
View Album
Sat Apr 06 2024
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Probably my favorite Sabbath album.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun Apr 07 2024
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
A true masterpiece. Top-notch composition and performances.
5/5
5
View Album
Mon Apr 08 2024
Live Through This
Hole
Solid, dependable alternative rock.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Tue Apr 09 2024
Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Another album that I know I’m supposed to like much more than I do, but I still do like regardless.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Wed Apr 10 2024
In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
Not always in the mood for this kind of music, but there’s no denying how excellently this is put together.
4/5
4
View Album
Thu Apr 11 2024
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
One of my favorite new discoveries. What a hell of a voice!
4.5/5
4
View Album
Fri Apr 12 2024
Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
The “That’s All Right” cover is pretty bad, but everything else is really damn good.
4/5
4
View Album
Sat Apr 13 2024
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
The best stuff is amazing, but there is a fair amount of stuff I’m not crazy about. Still gets the 4 star bump, of course.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Sun Apr 14 2024
Risque
CHIC
Two albums down for Chic and they are still not for me.
2/5
2
View Album
Mon Apr 15 2024
Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
I do actually like a decent amount of this - she has a great voice and has some really great lyrics - but it’s just not totally my thing from a musical perspective. Could stand a revisit of this someday.
3/5
3
View Album
Tue Apr 16 2024
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
Yeah…this rules. Not my favorite music ever, but holy shit, it’s so damn good.
4/5
4
View Album
Wed Apr 17 2024
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
Really, really close to 4 stars. Could get there one day.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Thu Apr 18 2024
Shadowland
k.d. lang
Lang’s voice is fantastic. Solid arrangements all the way around. Very easy to listen to.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Fri Apr 19 2024
Ingenue
k.d. lang
I like this so much more than I ever expected I would. This could grow to 4 stars one day.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Sat Apr 20 2024
Synchronicity
The Police
Side 1 is very good, and side 2 is *great*. I’d be very surprised if this wasn’t my favorite album of theirs.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun Apr 21 2024
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
Lots and lots of cool stuff here. Glad this is my first album of his. Room to grow.
4/5
4
View Album
Mon Apr 22 2024
G. Love And Special Sauce
G. Love & Special Sauce
Some decent instrumentals and musical ideas. But man, this guy has some of my least favorite vocal inflections of all-time.
2/5
2
View Album
Tue Apr 23 2024
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
I actually really like “Invaders”, but it’s downhill for me after that. I like some of the punky influences, but Dickinson is just too over the top for me.
2.5/5
2
View Album
Wed Apr 24 2024
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Some really killer songwriting here. It's not my favorite album of all-time by any means, but I can definitely return to this one.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Thu Apr 25 2024
Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Greg Lake has the perfect voice for this genre, and the production/arrangements/instrument choices on here are all I want from a prog record.
4/5
4
View Album
Fri Apr 26 2024
Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
I much prefer Björk in this environment. It’d be the full four stars if the male singer wasn’t there.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Sat Apr 27 2024
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Perfect performance. No notes.
5/5
5
View Album
Sun Apr 28 2024
The World is a Ghetto
War
The title track is fantastic. The rest is all pretty good.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Mon Apr 29 2024
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
I just don't get this genre at all. I don't like the tones of the instruments, the overall sound, the singing...it's just not for me, I guess.
2/5
2
View Album
Tue Apr 30 2024
Dirt
Alice In Chains
I need to be in the right mood for it, but when I am, it kicks major ass.
4/5
4
View Album
Wed May 01 2024
Want One
Rufus Wainwright
Very solid writing and arrangements. Good stuff. Just not my favorite overall.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Thu May 02 2024
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Part #826 of “I know I should like this even more.” Still, a very high 3.5. Great stuff.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Fri May 03 2024
Suede
Suede
I want to like this so much more than I do. I like a lot of the music - *really* like some of it in fact - but feel a massive disconnect with Anderson’s voice. Shame.
3/5
3
View Album
Sat May 04 2024
Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
Although The Basement Tapes was the first Dylan record I heard, Bringing It All Back Home was my real introduction to *Bob Dylan*, that guy with the unique singing voice who writes the mind-blowing lyrics. Perhaps a lot of other younger children would have been turned off, but I was instantly hooked. It was the beginning of a lifelong listening journey that has brought me immeasurable joy and enthrallment.
I considered this record my favorite of Bob’s for a long time, no doubt due to my nostalgic attachment. As the years have passed, two albums have overtaken it in my personal rankings, but that holds no bearing on how highly I think of it. Some days, it’s still my favorite, and how could it not be? We finally get the emergence of rock and roll Bob, who nails it right out of the gate with “Subterranean Homesick Blues”, a relentless beat-poet cultural commentary with a Chuck Berry-esque groove and proto-hip-hop vocal delivery. It’s followed up two songs later with “Maggie’s Farm”, an equally quotable and breakneck critique of societal expectations. The combination of Bob’s pointed vocals and the band’s rickety drive create a sound unlike anything that came before it, a sound that still aids these two major compositions after all these years. Their urgency is also crucial to the spirited “Outlaw Blues” and the persistent boogie of “Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream”, two additional rocking highlights.
For all of the attention this album receives as the introduction to electric Dylan, the ballads on Bringing It All Back Home are responsible for so much of its greatness. The studio band is wonderfully tasteful on “She Belongs to Me” and “Love Minus Zero/No Limit”, two remarkable celebrations of love that rank among my top 25 Dylan tracks. Then, of course, we’re treated to the acoustic second side of the record, beginning with the psychedelic masterpiece of “Mr. Tambourine Man”:
Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free
Silhouetted by the sea
Circled by the circus sands
With all memory and fate driven deep beneath the waves
Let me forget about today until tomorrow
The glorious lyrical imagery combined with Bob’s top-notch vocal is sheer brilliance. Bruce Langhorne’s electric guitar work acts as a nice textural feature as well, ensuring that the recording is as good as the song itself. Dylan also receives accompaniment on the album’s closer, “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue”, joined by William E. Lee on bass as he delivers one of the grandest melodies he’s ever written. The lyrics and soundscape are as mournful as “Mr. Tambourine Man” is joyous, marking an arresting end to the record.
Sandwiched in between these two giants are two completely virtuosic lyrical exercises. “Gates of Eden” and “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” are not only the two most evocative songs he’d written up until this point; they remain two of his most engrossing songs to this day. The latter in particular is still one of the most quotable tracks in his catalog (“He not busy being born is busy dying”; “Even the President of the United States sometimes must have to stand naked”), and its criticism of American consumerism and political hypocrisy, among other things, is as relevant today as it ever was.
Whenever I take time away from Bringing It All Back Home, I’m always shocked when I return to it and remember how loaded it is. I know the track listing front-to-back, but to actually hear this group of songs in sequence is an experience I always treasure. I’d venture to say nine of the 11 tracks are in or close to my top 100 Dylan songs, and six - “Subterranean Homesick Blues”, “She Belongs to Me”, “Love Minus Zero”, “Mr. Tambourine Man”, “It’s Alright, Ma”, and “Baby Blue” - are probably in my top 30 alone. The fact that it works so well as a cohesive whole solidifies it as a top 3 Dylan record in my book, and one that I’ll always be grateful for.
Least favorite track: “On the Road Again”. Super fun musically, and some memorable lyrics (“Your grandpa’s cane, it turns into a sword/Your grandma prays to pictures that are pasted on a board”). It’s just surrounded by so many titanic compositions, and it’s the one I return to least.
Favorite track: “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)”. In addition to my aforementioned points, I’m totally in love with Bob’s focused, intense vocals and propulsive guitar work. It’s absolutely phenomenal; my third favorite Dylan track.
5
View Album
Sun May 05 2024
Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
Pre-listen: WHAT THE FUCK, I LITERALLY JUST GOT THE OTHER ONE FOUR DAYS AGO, JESUS CHRIST.
After listening: Eh. Some good stuff, but nothing that moves me.
3/5
3
View Album
Mon May 06 2024
Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
Gahhh there’s some stuff I like here, but it’s just not doing it for me on the whole.
2.5/5
2
View Album
Tue May 07 2024
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
There are some damn good Bowie albums before Hunky Dory, but this is the first *great* one. Not my absolute favorite, but truly fantastic.
4.5/5
4
View Album
Wed May 08 2024
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
I completely understand why this is usually peoples’ #1 or #2 Springsteen record. Totally stacked track list, almost every song here is out of this world good. I’ve never been a massive fan of “Something in the Night” or “Candy’s Room”, but everything else is top-notch. Bruce’s songwriting shifts on this record; he writes in a very particular way on his first two albums, tweaks it slightly on Born to Run, and then sort of settles into I guess what you’d call the modern Springsteen mold on this record. His storytelling isn’t any less complex, but his actual language is. He gets a bit more direct, but still very poetic and fantastic at painting a picture with his words. He’s also a total badass guitar player on this record, you hear it right off the bat in “Badlands”, an awesome upbeat pop-rocker that he adds some really gnarly guitar work on. And he kicks it up several notches in track two, “Adam Raised a Cain”, easily the most blistering, incendiary guitar playing in his catalog, and a killer song to boot. I could go on all day about some of these songs, “The Promised Land”, the title track, “Prove It All Night”...it’s a wonderful collection of songs. It’s only my #3 because I have that much love for Born to Run and The Wild, The Innocent…, but still an easy 4.5 stars and an easy 1,001 5 star bump.
4.5/5
5
View Album
Thu May 09 2024
The Next Day
David Bowie
I’m extremely high on Bowie’s last three records, including this one obviously. I think he sounds great vocally and musically reinvigorated. Granted, I’m pre-dispositioned to more organic sounds, but I still don’t think these arrangements or production stylings are by the numbers or stale or anything. Just a great batch of songs, one of my favorite albums of 2013.
4/5
4
View Album
Fri May 10 2024
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
Production is a bit dated for my tastes, and this just isn’t my favorite era in general for hip-hop. I know this is an important classic, but I will never willingly listen to it again.
2.5/5
2
View Album
Sat May 11 2024
Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
3 Bowie records in six days, huh? Between this and back-to-back k.d. lang's/near-back-to-back Rufus Wainwright's, y'all need to get this randomizer in check. Anyway, another solid Bowie record, what can I say? "Panic in Detroit" is particularly a favorite for me here.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun May 12 2024
Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
There's nothing inherently bad about this, but dear God is it fucking boring. This may have more historical significance than a lo-fi hip-hop Spotify playlist, but it sure as hell doesn't have any more or less quality than one. In fact, it may have less diversity. Again, I ask: why did I *have* to hear this before I died?
1.5/5
2
View Album
Mon May 13 2024
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Doesn't hit me as hard as the first album, but still very good.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Tue May 14 2024
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
A lot of good music and a few great tracks - "Safe from Harm" and "Hymn of the Big Wheel" are my favorites - but consistently bad vocals and lyrics. Not something I'm likely to return to too much.
3/5
3
View Album
Wed May 15 2024
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
He still sounds a bit green on a lot of it. Some great stuff, but some stuff I don't love, too.
3.5/5
3
View Album
Thu May 16 2024
Movies
Holger Czukay
A cool little surprise. I could stand to come back to this.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Fri May 17 2024
Diamond Life
Sade
I like this about as much as I'm ever bound to like a hybrid of smooth soul and sophisto-pop. Which is still not very much.
2.5/5
2
View Album
Sat May 18 2024
Purple Rain
Prince
Alright, look. I’m just not really a Prince fan. I respect him. He’s the most talented musician to ever walk the planet. But I don’t love his voice, I don’t love 80’s production, and I don’t really love this style of music. HOWEVER. It has grown on me. I like it more now than I ever have. Maybe one day I will like it even more. Until then…
3/5
3
View Album
Sun May 19 2024
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
Still my favorite Costello record. "But the Attractions aren't with him yet!" Yes, I know, and I do love them too. But not only is the pub rock energy of this album so damn good, but the *songs* just can't be argued with. I love it. Probably should be a proper 5-star. At the very least, it gets the bump for this website.
4.5/5
5
View Album
Mon May 20 2024
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
Sorry, I know I'm supposed to worship the tortured genius of Syd, but Floyd's debut does nothing for me. I have little patience for the precious British whimsy of it all, especially combined with severely undercooked psychedelia that's not nearly on the same level of other artists coming out around this time. I will continue to give out other high scores for Floyd, but this won't be one of them.
2/5
2
View Album
Tue May 21 2024
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Fourth Bowie album in two weeks. But this one truly is perfect. I don't hold him on the pedestal that many others do - he's probably a top 100 artist for me, but not top 20 - but even despite that, and despite wishing I liked glam-rock more than I do, there's just no way I can deny the incredible songwriting and performances on this record. As cliche as it may be, it's my favorite of his.
5/5
5
View Album
Wed May 22 2024
Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
“By the Time I Get to Arizona” was something of a revelation. What a fucking track! Great writing overall, but the rest of it musically doesn’t do much for me.
3/5
3
View Album
Thu May 23 2024
Hejira
Joni Mitchell
Just so damn good. “Coyote”, “Amelia”, “Furry Sings the Blues”, “Blue Motel Room”…perfect songs. I’m honestly not a huge Jaco fan, but his presence here doesn’t even bother me. Probably only my 4th favorite Joni record, which speaks to her complete excellence.
4.5/5
4
View Album
Fri May 24 2024
Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
Part #625 of “I don’t like this as much as I’m supposed to.” But I do like it. And I LOVE “Cherub Rock”. Just not an all-time favorite.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Sat May 25 2024
Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
Fuck, this is incredibly good. Could be a true 5-star album for me someday. For now, it's just on the edge, but enough to get the bump here.
4.5/5
5
View Album
Sun May 26 2024
Drunk
Thundercat
“Them Changes” rules. There’s a lot of care and talent put into this. It’s just not my thing overall.
2.5/5
2
View Album
Mon May 27 2024
Superunknown
Soundgarden
It’s too long, but man, so much of it is fucking awesome. One of my highest 4 star ratings so far, could easily be 4.5 one day.
4/5
4
View Album
Tue May 28 2024
The College Dropout
Kanye West
Meh. Some great stuff here and he’s obviously a hell of a producer, but I won’t ever return to this. My ceiling for hip-hop strikes again.
3/5
3
View Album
Wed May 29 2024
Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
Very good and pleasant. Not sure how much I ever need to hear it again.
3/5
3
View Album
Thu May 30 2024
Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
Sorry, y’all. I just don’t know how anyone takes this music (or at least these vocals) seriously.
1.5/5
1
View Album
Fri May 31 2024
Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
This was totally fine, professional, pleasant, and inoffensive. But I did absolutely not need to hear this before dying.
3/5
3
View Album
Sat Jun 01 2024
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Likely my second favorite Neil studio record. Love everything about it.
5/5
5
View Album
Sun Jun 02 2024
Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
Not *quite* perfect (he gets there on the next record), but still pretty fucking awesome.
4.5/5
4
View Album
Mon Jun 03 2024
Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
I can tell this is very well done. I just don't particularly like it.
2/5
2
View Album
Tue Jun 04 2024
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
It’s pleasant. A little *too* pleasant to be an all-time favorite, but still very good.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Wed Jun 05 2024
American Gothic
David Ackles
Clearly a talented writer, but it’s a little too hammy for me.
3/5
3
View Album
Thu Jun 06 2024
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
All these songs are way too long, Paul Buchanan doesn’t sound as good as he does on Hats, and I just don’t like this production. Blegh.
2/5
2
View Album
Fri Jun 07 2024
New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
Pre-listen: I’m so fucking sick of so many fucking 80’s albums. I hope I’m wrong and I look/sound like an idiot, but oh my god, it feels like every other album is from this wretched decade.
Post-listen: nope, wasn’t wrong. More terribly boring and dated music to be filed away under the worst, most pretentious genre name: “sophisti-pop.” Spare me your declarations of how “intelligent” it is. It gets a generous bonus star for sounding competently made.
2/5
2
View Album
Sat Jun 08 2024
It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
It’s Bland!
2/5
2
View Album
Sun Jun 09 2024
Heroes
David Bowie
I don’t like it as much as I “should”, and I seem to be in the minority in thinking that “Beauty and the Beast” is lame as hell. However, the title track is an all-timer, and I actually quite like a lot of the ambient stuff.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Mon Jun 10 2024
The New Tango
Astor Piazzolla
Goddamn, this is REALLY fucking cool. Not at all what I was expecting. Insane mix of jazz and classical. I need to learn more about this. Lots of room to grow here.
4/5
4
View Album
Tue Jun 11 2024
Document
R.E.M.
Fuck yes. My favorite R.E.M. album, and frankly, it’s not even close. It towers over the others for me. “Finest Worksong” kicks it all off in style, and it never lets up. So happy this is on here.
5/5
5
View Album
Wed Jun 12 2024
Black Monk Time
The Monks
Yes, you do need to hear this before you die. Not just because it’s extremely ahead of its time, but because it fucking rules.
4/5
4
View Album
Thu Jun 13 2024
Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
Some really great stuff here. Excited to keep going back to this.
4/5
4
View Album
Fri Jun 14 2024
Tical
Method Man
Solid writing, but far too subdued and one-note for me to really like that much.
2.5/5
2
View Album
Sat Jun 15 2024
Pearl
Janis Joplin
So good. Such a shame it was her last.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun Jun 16 2024
Bright Flight
Silver Jews
Haven’t really had my “a-ha!” moment with Berman yet, but there’s some great music here and he’s clearly a great lyricist. I hope I’ll “get it” more one day.
3.5/5
3
View Album
Mon Jun 17 2024
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
There’s a sheen to it that I struggle with, but some damn good songs. “Slow Burn” is tremendous. This could potentially grow one day.
3/5
3
View Album
Tue Jun 18 2024
All Directions
The Temptations
Good and perfectly professional, but not my favorite era of the band, and not my favorite sound in general.
3.5/5
3
View Album
Wed Jun 19 2024
Mott
Mott The Hoople
Realizing I don’t really *love* glam-rock, but still, very solid record. Will definitely return to it one day.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Thu Jun 20 2024
Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
A very enjoyable, inconsequential record that I did not “need to hear before I died.”
3.5/5
3
View Album
Fri Jun 21 2024
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
So, so, so close to 5 stars. Jimmy is amazing, and honestly, Turrentine is as much the star of the record as Smith is. Expertly recorded at Van Gelder's studio, it's just so damn inviting. I love this so much.
4.5/5
4
View Album
Sat Jun 22 2024
Guero
Beck
Per usual with Beck, highly inventive and entertaining.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun Jun 23 2024
The Healer
John Lee Hooker
The first half of this album is a major, sanitized bummer. It’s so disappointing to hear a legend like Hooker enveloped by shitty 80’s production and forced guest stars. The second half, when the arrangements are dialed back a bit, is much better. Personally? I see no need to reach for this when his classic material is available.
3/5
3
View Album
Mon Jun 24 2024
Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
Seriously fun hard rock.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Tue Jun 25 2024
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
They saved their best for last. Not a wasted note, in my opinion. Perfection.
5/5
5
View Album
Wed Jun 26 2024
I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
There are some moments in here that I dig, but overall, this is very much not for me.
2/5
2
View Album
Thu Jun 27 2024
Scott 4
Scott Walker
Clearly well-constructed baroque pop that I just don’t care that much about.
3/5
3
View Album
Fri Jun 28 2024
2112
Rush
Perhaps I’m coming around to them yet. Still don’t love Geddy’s voice a lot of the time, but I can deal with these instrumentals and production.
3.5/5
3
View Album
Sat Jun 29 2024
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
I can’t believe this is on the list. Didn’t like it when I was 9, don’t like it now.
1/5
1
View Album
Sun Jun 30 2024
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
Deserves all the praise it’s gotten. Absolutely magnificent across the board: the playing, the songwriting, the production, the sequencing, everything. A truly perfect record.
5/5
5
View Album
Mon Jul 01 2024
Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Cole leaves a bit to be desired as a vocalist, but I generally like most of the music, lyrics, and (grading on a curve) production. Will return to this for sure.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Tue Jul 02 2024
Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
It’s just not something I’m going to listen to a whole lot, but goddamn is Frank good. Some of these are just miraculous. Will never not love “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Wed Jul 03 2024
Repeater
Fugazi
I should have gotten hip to this band a long time ago. Great shit.
4/5
4
View Album
Thu Jul 04 2024
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
Perhaps critics and the general public just needed a bit of time to make sure the world wouldn’t end, but three years after announcing, and subsequently being blamed for, the Beatles’ breakup, Paul delivered a record that finally won everyone over. It would have been pretty hard to deny this one; it still sounds like a massive success 50 years later, thanks in no small part to the fact that it contains three verifiable classics.
The title track is one of Paul’s all-time crowning achievements, with three distinct sections expertly crafted, connected, and performed. Tony Visconti provides some exquisite orchestration to fill out an already-flawless soundscape, and, setting a tone for most every song on the record, the three-part harmonies between Paul, Linda, and Denny Laine are supremely good. “Jet” is the first true rocker of Paul’s solo career, kicking off with an effective three-note guitar/saxophone riff before exploding into a rush of pure energy featuring one of Mr. McCartney’s finest drumming performances. And “Let Me Roll It” is one of Paul’s most beloved ballads for good reason. Seen by some as a tribute to John with its snarling riff, use of tape echo, and repetitive lyrics, it contains an unbelievable lead vocal from Paul, enhanced with glorious harmonies in the choruses, and great Hammond organ from Linda. These three songs, like the album as a whole, stand the test of time; the masterclass of songwriting that is the title track may be my personal favorite, but all three rank among the best of Paul’s solo career, and their popularity is well-deserved.
That’s not to say the other tracks on Band On The Run aren’t also gems. In particular, I have never been able to get enough of the bizarrely fun “Mrs Vandebilt.” The infectious “ho-hey-ho” background vocals and hilarious banter at the end of the song are overwhelmingly appealing, so much so that they threaten to, but thankfully don’t, overshadow the abundance of brilliant performances on the song. Linda’s electric piano playing is excellent, as are Howard Casey’s saxophone solos, and Paul delivers both his best bass playing on the album and marvelous dual-lead guitar work with Denny.
Following “Let Me Roll It” is another first-class ballad in “Mamunia.” Featuring superb acoustic guitar work from Paul and Moog synthesizer from Linda, it is a beautiful and calming call to consider the positive in every seemingly negative situation (“The rain comes falling from the sky to fill the stream that fills the sea/And that’s where life began for you and me/So the next time you see rain, it ain’t bad/Don’t complain it rains for you”). “Picasso’s Last Words (Drink To Me)” has an intriguingly drowsy ambiance that sounds effectively akin to a dream of someone on their deathbed. Just like a dream, it glides by lazily at points before unexpectedly shifting; motifs and choruses weave in and out of each other effortlessly; two previous songs, “Jet” and “Mrs Vandebilt,” are quoted and integrated brilliantly. It is remarkably intricate, yet it floats by so smoothly.
It’s another perfect example on this record of Paul flexing his muscles with true confidence for the first time in his solo career. The results are spectacular, and although I can’t deem it my favorite McCartney record like many others, Band On The Run is a complete, undoubted success.
5/5
5
View Album
Fri Jul 05 2024
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
A damn fine addition to their catalog. One of the few albums of theirs you could unironically say doesn't get enough credit.
4/5
4
View Album
Sat Jul 06 2024
In Utero
Nirvana
Am I a basic bitch for preferring Nevermind? Perhaps. It is what it is. But this is still such a damn good record.
4/5
4
View Album
Sun Jul 07 2024
Welcome to the Afterfuture
Mike Ladd
Horrifically boring and, more damning for the legitimacy of this list, horrifically inessential.
1/5
1
View Album
Mon Jul 08 2024
Done By The Forces Of Nature
Jungle Brothers
Some cool musical ideas and samples, as well as some very progressive lyrics here and there, but overall it’s a little too samey and overlong.
2.5/5
2
View Album
Tue Jul 09 2024
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Closer to 4.5 stars than you might think. If a few of the non-hits were on the same level as the hits, it would be there. At least.
Skynyrd has developed a strange reputation thanks to the atrocity that is the reunion-era band, the played-out "Free Bird" jokes, and "Sweet Home Alabama" attaining a level of radio overplay that should be illegal. But don't sleep on the original lineup's albums. It's not just good southern rock; it's damn good rock and roll period.
4/5
4
View Album
Wed Jul 10 2024
Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
Lana tends to horrifically bore me, but this is my favorite of hers so far.
2.5/5
3
View Album
Thu Jul 11 2024
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
I could probably list close to 200 albums with an argument to be included on this list. Albums that serve to truly enrich the life of the listener. Albums with unbelievable cultural and historical significance. Albums that speak to and/or make sense of the human experience. In lieu of those hundreds of albums, the curator of this project decided to include Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water by Limp Bizkit. They made dozens of questionable decisions, but perhaps none more nonsensical than this one. It's a shame that one star is the lowest rating we're allowed here.
0/5
1
View Album
Fri Jul 12 2024
The Rise & Fall
Madness
Meh. Inoffensive, but inessential. No desire to ever hear it again.
2.5/5
2
View Album
Sat Jul 13 2024
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Probably only my fourth favorite Costello record and somehow still on the verge of 5 stars. Just wonderfully performed and written.
4.5/5
4
View Album
Sun Jul 14 2024
Queen II
Queen
Not my favorite Queen record, but there’s some really solid shit here.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Mon Jul 15 2024
A Northern Soul
The Verve
It all sounds good, but it’s overlong and not much of it excites or grabs me. I’ll come back to it sometime and see if I feel differently.
3/5
3
View Album
Tue Jul 16 2024
Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Not to be dismissed as a Summer of Love relic, there’s a lot of damn good stuff here.
4/5
4
View Album
Wed Jul 17 2024
School's Out
Alice Cooper
The title track is an all-timer. The rest of the album doesn’t live up to it, but a decent listen overall.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Thu Jul 18 2024
Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
There are elements and songs here I like (“Swampsnake”) in particular, but it’s not coming together all the way for me. Interested to see how I feel if I ever revisit it.
3/5
3
View Album
Fri Jul 19 2024
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
I am not a huge fan of typical 1980’s production stylings, and there are times on this album where the gated drums are a bit much for me, or there’s a little too much echo for my liking. However, the songs are so good, and in recent years, I’ve come around to it more and more. The title track, which sounds like a fun, upbeat song on first listen, is a great, biting commentary on the state of America post-Vietnam. “I’m on Fire” is a really effective song, I love the bed of synths that really set the mood well. “Dancing in the Dark”, kind of like the title track, at first glance is just this fun upbeat pop song, but some really heavy lyrics underneath it all, really fantastic song. I love “Downbound Train”, “No Surrender”, the closer “My Hometown”...even though it’s only my ninth favorite Springsteen album, I still really like it a lot, and I have just recently bumped it up to 4 stars.
4/5
4
View Album
Sat Jul 20 2024
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
I never cared about this band. I still don’t, but I recognize that this is still pretty decent.
3.5/5
4
View Album
Sun Jul 21 2024
Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
I’m still learning how to love Leonard Cohen. This one may connect with me more if/whenever I get more into him. I can tell how good the writing is, and certain songs resonate with me. I’m just not all the way there with it.
3.5/5
3
View Album
Mon Jul 22 2024
Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
God, I want to like this *so much more than I do*. I like Jeff Lynne, or at least I think I do. I think his three-album run as producer of Cloud Nine, Traveling Wilburys Vol. One, and Full Moon Fever in the late 80's can be stacked up against any three-album run by any producer. But...I don't know. Everything here is *so* clean and *so* sheen that I just don't really connect with it. And it's always so, so much. Chill on the vocoder and the strings. Yes, I KNOW that's your thing and why so many people love this, but not me. It's not bad, and there are songs I dig (especially "Jungle" and "Mr. Blue Sky"), but it's not anywhere near the top of my list.
3/5
3
View Album
Tue Jul 23 2024
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Equally fascinating, entertaining, stimulating, and important.
4/5
4
View Album
Wed Jul 24 2024
xx
The xx
As inoffensive as it is inconsequential.
3/5
3
View Album
Thu Jul 25 2024
Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
This must be the most accessible Beefheart, but that doesn’t mean it’s not damn good.
4/5
4